65 gal rimless peninsula tank build (48x18x16)

[kttran_2005]

Hi All,

After changing between big and small tanks then in and out the hobby, I am coming back with this new peninsula rimless tank (48"x18"16"). One of the reasons I choose this tank size especially the high 16" is a lighting cost (more depth, more light, more cost). I am going to build one thing at a time as following orders; the stand, sump, LEDs lights, and others while waiting for the tank arrived. This is a tank from glasscages and they will have it delivered the end of April. So, here we go.

1) Stand build: the goal is light and strong without using 2x4 conventional way. The dimension of the stand will be 48x18x32. This dimension will fit 65,75,and 90 gal footprint tanks. All I need is a 4'x8' good plywood and some moldings. I got the home depot people cut the 4'x8' plywood into 3 equal pieces of 48"x32" sections. This way, I can fit all pieces into my compact car. Two of 48"x32" pieces will be used as the front and back panels. The other 48"x32" piece will be used as the side panels (16"x32"). With the front, back, and molding attached on, it will be very close to 18" width. To take care of some pressure concerns, I am going to cut rectangular panels out of the front and back panels. Since I need two doors for the stand, I will cut a smaller rectangular piece from the front and larger rectangular piece from the back. The cut out piece from the back will be used for two doors. the cut out piece from the front will be used for support bars. Everything will be glued and screwed together into a final product.

 

[kttran_2005]

more pics

 

[kttran_2005]

pic continues

 

[dave.m]

I get 60 gallons for those measurements; hardly big enough for a sump on the 180 gallons and larger forum.

Dave.M

 

[kttran_2005]

Staining time

 

[kttran_2005]

2) Sump build: the goal is using ATS and skimmer (in a future) in one sump. Also, I want a longer path for water to travel. Originally, I plan to have a separate rimless tank (36x12x8) for marine plants and pipefish; which will split the return pump into two display tanks. Unfortunately, I didn't have the space that I need for the time been. For now, I am using a 36x12x16 tank for the sump. The drain water from the main tank will go through ATS section. Then water will go through skimmer, bubble baffles, and then return sections. I don't plan to have a cheato in sump since I am going to use the marine plants as a part of display tank stockings. However, I can still can have some if I wanted to in a future.

 

[mitchellmoto]

I'd say you are posting in the wrong thread. This thread is for large aquariums, 180gal and up.

 

[kttran_2005]

3) LEDs build: originally, I plan to use 60 of 3w Cree LEDS because I already had 60 optics but when I saw the build thread about multichip LEDs on reefcentral's forum, I change my plan. I am going to use 10w LEDs instead. I bought 6 of them and a mean well eln-60-48p driver. Since my driver can only handle up to 4-5 10w LEDs max in series, I will try 5 bulbs first. If this is not bright enough then I can add either some more 3w or 10w or 20w bulbs depending on the color look when the new tank arrived. I kinda like the bluish look. I bought a 48" coralife fixture with legs for this project so it can sit directly on top of my rimless display tank.

 

[kttran_2005]

oh sorry about that, could someone in administrator move it to a small tank build?

 

[kttran_2005]

---->I get 60 gallons for those measurements

From the calculation, it's 60 gal but the info from glasscages.com said 65 gal. by the way, is it possible that someone could move this build to nano tank? if it's not then i will create a new thread there. sorry for the wrong post forum. I thought "nano tank" means anything less than 40gal.

 

[m758b033]

Def not a nano either. Move it to reef discussion.

 

[kttran_2005]

well, since it's still here, I might as well to finish it. PLEASE FORGIVE ME and bare with me. Only a few more posts.

 

[kttran_2005]

LED fixture is finish and everything working great. The light is actually brighter than in the picture. I really happy with the result. I will wait until i got the tank up and running before making any adjustment.

 

[kttran_2005]

4) DIY Skimmer: I got a small skimmer but the pump broke. So, i decide to make one. I am very happy with the result. After running over 30 mintues, it foams crazily and not much of the bubbles came out of the pipe-line. i have to say that i love this one because it's very easy to cleanup. Unscrew the cap or spray water around the cup to drain into the outside bottle.

 

[kttran_2005]

thank you everyone for not mad at me posting on the wrong forum. i really appreciate that. since now is waiting time for the tank arrive, this is my last post.